Non-motorized machine for throwing snow or other debris

Abstract

A manually operated machine, which requires minimal physical effort and does not produce harmful pollution, is provided for throwing snow or other debris. The machine includes a frame supported by at least one wheel that actuates at least one rotating blade or brush when the machine is pushed forward. A handle is provided to facilitate pushing the machine and a shroud is provided to help direct the snow or debris and shield the operator from misdirected material. A pivoting mechanism allows an operator to direct the thrown debris to either side by pivoting the blade or brush. An adjustment lever and a pivot lock are provided to facilitate the pivoting action.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A non-motorized machine for throwing debris comprising: a frame;   at least one support wheel rotatably coupled to said frame;   a handle member attached to said frame;   a throwing mechanism rotatably coupled to said frame, said throwing mechanism including at least one blade and a primary drive shaft, said blade being attached to said primary drive shaft;   a shroud attached to said frame and at least partially surrounding said throwing mechanism;   a drive mechanism interposed between and mechanically connecting said support wheel and said throwing mechanism;   a pivoting mechanism for pivoting said throwing mechanism;   said pivoting mechanism being attached to said frame;   said pivoting mechanism including a housing attached to said frame; an adjustment shaft slidably contained within said housing; a pivoting joint rotatably connecting said debris throwing mechanism to said adjustment shaft; and a universal joint coupled to said primary drive shaft.   
     
     
       2. A non-motorized machine for throwing debris comprising: a frame;   at least one support wheel rotatably coupled to said frame;   a handle member attached to said frame;   throwing mechanism rotatably coupled to said frame, said throwing mechanism including at least one blade and a primary drive shaft, said blade being attached to said primary drive shaft;   a shroud attached to said frame and at least partially surrounding said throwing mechanism;   a drive mechanism interposed between and mechanically connecting said support wheel and said throwing mechanism;   a pivoting mechanism for pivoting said throwing mechanism;   said pivoting mechanism being attached to said frame;   said pivoting mechanism including a pivot lock member attached to said frame, said pivot lock member including a plurality of apertures; a housing attached to said frame; an adjustment shaft slidably contained within said housing; an adjustment lever having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said adjustment shaft, and said second end slidably attached to said pivot lock member; a pivoting joint connecting said blade mechanism to said adjustment shaft; and a universal joint coupled to said primary drive shaft.   
     
     
       3. A method of pivotally supporting a rotating mechanism on a machine for throwing debris, wherein said rotating mechanism includes a first end, a second end, and a primary drive shaft, said method comprising: providing a frame;   rotatably coupling said second end of said rotating mechanism to said frame;   providing a housing attached to said frame;   providing an adjustment shaft slidably contained within said housing;   providing a pivoting joint rotatably connecting said first end of said rotating mechanism to said adjustment shaft; and   providing a universal joint coupled to said primary drive shaft near said second end of said rotating mechanism.   
     
     
       4. A pivoting mechanism for a machine for throwing debris, said machine including a frame and a rotating mechanism, said rotating mechanism including a first end rotatably coupled to said frame, a second end, and a primary drive shaft, said pivoting mechanism comprising: a pivot lock member attached to said frame, said pivot lock member including a plurality of apertures;   a housing attached to said frame;   an adjustment shaft slidably contained within said housing;   an adjustment lever having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said adjustment shaft, and said second end slidably attached to said pivot lock member;   a pivoting joint rotatably connecting said second end of said rotating mechanism to said adjustment shaft; and   a universal joint coupled to said primary drive shaft near said first end of said rotating mechanism.